Looks like Izzy was already irritated at the 5.17 mark in the 4th quarter when she was held/moving screen (you can debate that) and she threw a little elbow to the throat of an opponent to shake her off.

I wonder if Achonwa was retaliating on behalf of her teammate. I didn't see any immediate reaction on her part, but it doesn't mean Natalie didn't notice. As one of the bigger players on her team, she'd feel responsible to act as an enforcer. Why else go after Harrison at that particular moment? Was there any rough stuff earlier in the game? I didn't see anything in the preceding 2 or 3 minutes.

_________________Even now by the gate with your long hair blowing
And the colors of the day that lie along your arms
You must barter your life to make sure you are living
And the crowd that has come
You give them the colors
And the bells and wind and the dream

Looks like Izzy was already irritated at the 5.17 mark in the 4th quarter when she was held/moving screen (you can debate that) and she threw a little elbow to the throat of an opponent to shake her off.

I wonder if Achonwa was retaliating on behalf of her teammate. I didn't see any immediate reaction on her part, but it doesn't mean Natalie didn't notice. As one of the bigger players on her team, she'd feel responsible to act as an enforcer. Why else go after Harrison at that particular moment? Was there any rough stuff earlier in the game? I didn't see anything in the preceding 2 or 3 minutes.

But do overseas teams usually have their high paid imports play that role?

Achonwa seems to be a master at aggravating opposing players enough to get them to snap.

It's called working too hard (from the opposing player's standpoint) and taking advantage of what the refs were allowing. Harrison needed to keep a cool head and she couldn't.

The refs were completely negligent on that play. No one should be expected to put up with that kind of shoving. Achonwa had it coming and IMO should be penalised whatever Izzy is penalised since she is at least as much to blame.

Looks like Izzy was already irritated at the 5.17 mark in the 4th quarter when she was held/moving screen (you can debate that) and she threw a little elbow to the throat of an opponent to shake her off.

I wonder if Achonwa was retaliating on behalf of her teammate. I didn't see any immediate reaction on her part, but it doesn't mean Natalie didn't notice. As one of the bigger players on her team, she'd feel responsible to act as an enforcer. Why else go after Harrison at that particular moment? Was there any rough stuff earlier in the game? I didn't see anything in the preceding 2 or 3 minutes.

But do overseas teams usually have their high paid imports play that role?

Other than hockey, most sports don't hire players to serve as enforcers. Individuals decide for themselves to protect their teammates. It's an unspoken code of behavior to have your teammate's back. Big people carry the greater expectations.

_________________Even now by the gate with your long hair blowing
And the colors of the day that lie along your arms
You must barter your life to make sure you are living
And the crowd that has come
You give them the colors
And the bells and wind and the dream

Achonwa seems to be a master at aggravating opposing players enough to get them to snap.

It's called working too hard (from the opposing player's standpoint) and taking advantage of what the refs were allowing. Harrison needed to keep a cool head and she couldn't.

The refs were completely negligent on that play. No one should be expected to put up with that kind of shoving. Achonwa had it coming and IMO should be penalised whatever Izzy is penalised since she is at least as much to blame.

The title of President of Basketball Operations is broader. The PBO position oversees administrative and legal issues, public relations, and game day logistics in addition to personnel. It is a higher position than GM.